2 Chronicles 2:1-18

Solomon takes on the job of building the temple and he realizes that he cannot do the job by himself.  He reaches out to king Hiram just as David had done and he asks for supplies to be sent to Israel as well as skilled labor to do the work.  Solomon also makes it clear that he will be building a palace for himself with these materials.  It is a sign of wisdom to know one’s limitations and then employ the help of others to supply those needs.  We must not allow our pride to fool us into thinking that we can do everything on our own and enlist the help of others.  Humility and the ability to delegate are two of the most important qualities a leader can develop in his life.

SOLOMON REQUESTS HELP: The job that is ahead of Solomon is a big one.  He recognizes that the temple he is building for the Lord is far from being a house for the Lord as the universe is not capable of containing the Lord.  The temple is simply a place to offer sacrifices to the Lord.  However, this place of sacrifice must be proportional to the greatness of God and Solomon realizes that he needs help.  Israel lacked the natural and human resources to be able to accomplish the job.  It is not a shameful thing to ask for help.  Too often we allow our pride to take over our hearts and we think that we must do everything by ourselves.  God intends for us to recognize our limitations and then demonstrate our dependence upon Him by recognizing that He has given other abilities and resources that will meet our needs.  Wisdom asks for help.


SOLOMON RECEIVES HOPE: When Hiram hears of Solomon’s request for help, he responds in a very positive way.  He recognizes that such a wise king is a gift from God to the people of Israel.  He promises to cooperate fully and accepts the help that Solomon has offered in supplies to pay for the wood and stones that Hiram will be supplying.  Solomon was generous in his offer to pay for the help and also sent many of his own workers to work side by side.  This positive response and praise on the part of the experienced king must have been a great source of encouragement and hope for Solomon.  God gives grace to those who seek Him and He rejoices to be able to help the humble.  When we seek for help from the Lord He is faithful to give us hope.

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